Concept of Nutrition and Dietary Guidelines for Promoting and Preserving Health: Unani Perspective

Abstract

Nutrition is a basic human need and a prerequisite to a healthy life. A proper diet is essential from the very early stages of life for proper growth, development and to remain active. The economic transition has changed the way people live. The shift from traditional to modern foods, changing cooking practices, increased intake of processed and ready-to-eat foods and intensive marketing of junk foods have affected people's perception of foods as well as their dietary behaviour. Irrational preference for energy-dense foods and those with high sugar and salt content pose a serious health risk to the people. The increasing number of overweight and obese people in the community and the resulting burden of chronic non-communicable diseases necessitate systematic nutrition educational interventions on a massive scale. Comprehensive instructions by Unani scholars are given on specific food or dietary schedules for different seasons, according to one’s age and to suit one’s individual temperament or Mizāj. It is therefore essential to consider dietary issues and formulate guidelines, which will help in promotion of health and prevention of diseases.

Keywords: Diet, Health promotion, Unani medicine

Cite this Article

Atiya Khan, Malik Itrat. Concept of Nutrition and Dietary Guidelines for Promoting and Preserving Health: Unani Perspective. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2016; 3(3): 7–12p.